Shooter acted in self-defense in fatal Pollo Tropical shooting, police say

Cardiff Lindo called 911, cooperated with police

DAVIE, Fla. – Cardiff Lindo acted in self-defense Friday when he shot and killed a patron at Pollo Tropical, Davie police said.

The patron, Eric Primus, 49, and a co-worker were on their lunch break at the Pollo Tropical at 2390 S. University Drive. The pair didn't sit together as the co-worker remained by a window, where he watched their tools in their work truck.

While at Pollo Tropical, Primus got into a verbal altercation with Lindo, 33, Davie police Capt. Dale Engle said.

Primus and his co-worker left the restaurant and sat in their work truck, which was parked in the Pollo Tropical parking lot, Engle said.

Lindo came out soon after and was confronted by Primus, Engle said. Then a physical altercation took place.

During the altercation, Lindo pulled out a firearm and fired several shots, Engle said.

One bullet hit Primus in the chest.

After being shot, Primus and his co-worker left in their truck and Lindo remained in the parking lot, where he called 911, Engle said.

Primus and his co-worker drove to a nearby Chevron gas station to get help, Engle said. Eventually, Primus was taken to Broward Health Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Meanwhile, Lindo was surrounded by police and detained for questioning.

Engle said Lindo cooperated with investigators and that the explanation of events he provided was corroborated by witnesses.

Engle said that based on their investigation, police believe that Lindo acted in self-defense under Florida's "stand your ground" law.

The shooting remains under investigation.